The Campaign for University of Detroit Mercy has reached its $100-million goal a year ahead of schedule.“The success of the campaign is due to the generosity of our alumni and friends as well as their dedication to educating the next generation of our graduates in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions,” said President Antoine M. Garibaldi. “Because of the momentum and enthusiasm that has already been generated, we will be able to accomplish all of the major goals by December 31.” Some of the areas where significant progress has already been made include:$40.3 million of the $25-million goal for academic programming and faculty support has been raised.$14.3 million of the $10-million goal for unrestricted support has been achieved.77 percent of all gifts have come from alumni and friends.More than 27 gifts of $1 million or more have been received, including six gifts of $2 million or more from alumni.The University’s endowment has more than doubled since June 2011, with $28 million of the gifts designated for the endowment.

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Additionally, renovations to the College of Engineering & Science are a high priority, as well as an upgrade of the communication studies area and the establishment of an Athletic Village. These projects will provide state-of-the-art learning facilities and enhance the physical conditions for the University’s Division I student-athletes to practice and compete.

Congratulations to the school, the fund-raisers and the donors. If you haven't contributed but would like to have an impact on this institution we all love, the Campaign continues through the end of 2019.

I know that an immediate infrastructure priority for Athletics is to get lighting for Buysse Field (softball) and Titan Field (lacrosse and soccer) to accommodate evening games.

A few years ago I saw a rendering of a plan (presumably commissioned by the University) providing a vision for a structure that would add permanent seating along the western border of Titan Field. In addition to accommodating spectators, there looked to be restroom and locker room facilities beneath the seating. It was brick and mortar, aesthetically very nice, I assume costing at least a couple million dollars. It would likely eliminate a row or two of parking from the current footprint, I don't know how much of an issue that might be. I think if done the right way (including landscaping) it could significantly enhance the look and feel of the north east corner of campus and be a real boost to the Titan teams (lacrosse, soccer, and track & field too) that compete there. Does anyone know if that project is within the reach of the current capital campaign or even if it still on the radar as something Detroit Mercy would like to build down the road?

Rogobob77 wrote:I know that an immediate infrastructure priority for Athletics is to get lighting for Buysse Field (softball) and Titan Field (lacrosse and soccer) to accommodate evening games.

A few years ago I saw a rendering of a plan (presumably commissioned by the University) providing a vision for a structure that would add permanent seating along the western border of Titan Field. In addition to accommodating spectators, there looked to be restroom and locker room facilities beneath the seating. It was brick and mortar, aesthetically very nice, I assume costing at least a couple million dollars. It would likely eliminate a row or two of parking from the current footprint, I don't know how much of an issue that might be. I think if done the right way (including landscaping) it could significantly enhance the look and feel of the north east corner of campus and be a real boost to the Titan teams (lacrosse, soccer, and track & field too) that compete there. Does anyone know if that project is within the reach of the current capital campaign or even if it still on the radar as something Detroit Mercy would like to build down the road?

That would help us host high school soccer and lacrosse games, too.

I've also been told that the to-do list includes a new Titan Club room, more accessible and with more amenities. But I'm not sure that this is included in the $100 million fund.

Arnold D'Ambrossio, VP for University Advancement, made some upbeat remarks at today's luncheon about the success of the fundraising campaign and impact on Titan Athletics. He outlined cost savings aspects of the new outdoor lighting (e.g., teams wouldn't have to be regularly transported for evening practices in other locations away from campus). He said that the University might even be able to host some Catholic school night football games, something they are exploring. The VP said endowment is currently at $67 million, it will be $70 million soon, and the $100 million mark will be within reach down the road, with long-term goal of building a financial foundation similar to Marquette and Xavier. There was a vague mention of a Phase II for Athletics projects, perhaps that might encompass permanent seating for Titan Field.

Great to the increase in the endowment. While I am sure there are ton of important things that need to be done, hopefully some of the money raised in the campaign will be include visible things. Those make people feel better.

Lights is a great step in the right direction. A dome would be huge too. CSU has a removable dome. I'm not trying to get greedy or sound ungrateful, but the next huge athletic related item needs to be an indoor structure with a full soccer field if we want to stay competitive and lure recruits. All field sports could then stay on campus to train year round. I imagine it would go next to the tennis courts. If it were connected to Calihan a first floor conference/meeting room would be great.

ExcitedTitan wrote:Great to the increase in the endowment. While I am sure there are ton of important things that need to be done, hopefully some of the money raised in the campaign will be include visible things. Those make people feel better.

If I recall correctly, part of the facilities funds will go to update the Student Union.

The $70 million is pretty amazing as the total at the start of the decade was $25 million.

ExcitedTitan wrote:Great to the increase in the endowment. While I am sure there are ton of important things that need to be done, hopefully some of the money raised in the campaign will be include visible things. Those make people feel better.

If I recall correctly, part of the facilities funds will go to update the Student Union.

The $70 million is pretty amazing as the total at the start of the decade was $25 million.

To be like the other Midwest Jesuit schools we need an endowment more like $300 - $500M. We’ve come a long way though and hopefully the fortunes of Detroit overall and Liv 6 continue to go in the right direction.

give credit to the stock market boom as much as the fiscal responsibiliy of the current administration. a nice one two punch. i applaud the effort. sound fiscal management targets portend doubling it, or close, in 6 years.

In Greek mythology, the Titans were greater even than the gods. They ruled their universe with absolute power! Well that basketball court out there tonight, that's our universe. Let's rule it like Titans! (with apologies to coach boon)

The important point is that the administration, whether it's Garibaldi or development or alumni relations, has generated substantial additional gifts to the endowment. The website article says of the $100 million raised: